Evaluation in the service of Regional Councils in France.

On the basis of a survey in four administrative regions in France, differen ces (politics, socioeconomic contexts, styles of government) are analysed a nd doctrines presented. The analysis of how evaluation affects elected offi cials and the administration results in a moderate conclusion: evaluation l eads to few lasting changes in political practices, but it does play an edu cational role. The study of its effects on policies confirms this conclusio n. Evaluation has little impact on budgetary policies on the reorientation of multiple partnerships. At most, it takes part in region-building in a ce ntralized state. These new practices should be assessed in the long run as regions take their place among other French institutions. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.